Aaron Rodgers Unlikely to Return to Steelers, NFL Insider Reports

The Steelers may need to find a new quarterback for the 2026 season.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:15am

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According to NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season. Rodgers' decision will have major implications for the Steelers, who are currently only carrying Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on their quarterback depth chart.

Why it matters

The Steelers' offseason plans hinge heavily on what Rodgers decides to do. If he retires or wants to play elsewhere, Pittsburgh will need to find a new starting quarterback, either through a trade, free agency, or the draft. This could significantly impact the team's plans for the 2026 season.

The details

Kinkhabwala reported that 'people around Aaron Rodgers believe there's a 'minuscule chance' he's back with the Steelers in 2026.' This is Rodgers' decision, not the Steelers'. The team would prefer to have Rodgers' decision ahead of the new league year, which begins on March 11th. If Rodgers does not return, the Steelers will need to consider options such as Kyler Murray, Malik Willis, and Anthony Richardson to fill the quarterback position.

  • Rodgers threw 24 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions in 2025.
  • The new league year officially begins on March 11, 2026.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A veteran NFL quarterback who has played for the Steelers in recent seasons.

Mason Rudolph

A quarterback currently on the Steelers' roster.

Will Howard

A quarterback currently on the Steelers' roster.

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What they’re saying

“Great NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala says on 93.7 The Fan that people around Aaron Rodgers believe there's a 'minuscule chance' he's back with the Steelers in 2026.”

— Andrew Fillipponi

What’s next

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The takeaway

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